FBI workshop in Mass. offers advice on active shooters in schools

PAXTON, Mass. (AP) -- More than 300 school administrators, police, and employees of private companies are attending a Massachusetts workshop aimed at improving preparedness for an armed intruder.

The FBI, state police and workplace security experts were among the speakers Thursday at Anna Maria College in Paxton.

The school shooting in Newtown, Conn., was a common thread among the speakers. Many said school officials need to think about offering more options to schools other than traditional lockdown policies.

FBI Agent Gary Coffey talked about ways to identify indicators that someone is planning a school shooting. Coffey said there is no fixed profile of a mass shooter, but many have grievances and noticeable changes in behavior before a shooting.

The workshop was sponsored by the FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni Association.

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